ICE: Four Chinese Nationals at Risk of Deportation After $1.2 Million Identity Theft Operation
A group of Chinese nationals sentenced in a $1.2 million identity theft operation are facing deportation after their prison terms, as announced by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Wednesday.
The individuals involved are alleged to have entered the United States under false pretenses, according to the agency.
This case arose from a multi-agency investigation spearheaded by ICE agents based in Los Angeles.
All four defendants entered not guilty pleas on January 6 and were sentenced on March 17 for their roles in a sophisticated identity fraud scheme that deceived various national retailers out of over a million dollars. Among the affected businesses are well-known beauty stores like Sephora and Ulta, along with luxury retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom.
Federal prosecutors report that they illegally obtained personal information from hundreds of victims, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and residential addresses. They used this stolen data to forge fake driver’s licenses to acquire credit in the victims’ names.
A fifth co-conspirator was previously sentenced to over four years in prison, while a sixth defendant is awaiting sentencing after admitting guilt, as reported by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The investigation continues, and ICE is ready to commence their removal proceedings after they have served their sentences.
China has resumed cooperation for the deportation of its nationals from the U.S. after a nearly two-year period of halted processes.
China reinstated its cooperation with the U.S. in May 2024 and agreed to accept deportees.
In the past eight months, the United States has conducted five charter flights to China carrying hundreds of Chinese individuals who were in the U.S. illegally.
Homeland Security reported a decrease in illegal border crossings from China, dropping from 2,160 in June 2024 when the flights resumed, to 820 by December 2024.
